Users Will Soon Be Able to Follow Hashtags on Instagram

Last week, social media consultant Pippa Akram (@Social_Pip) took to Twitter to share
a screenshot of an as-yet-undiscovered update to the Instagram app, which was apparently
being trialled unbeknownst to many on a few select accounts.

The update in question, first reported by The Next Web, allows users to follow individual hashtags rather than just
accounts on the Instagram platform. While this may seem like a minor addition
it is sure to prove useful for those with an interest in more-niche topics, as
well as journalists and other researchers looking for information and imagery
relating to a particular subject.

Having said that the update will likely be enjoyed by users
from all walks of life, as Instagram have been criticised of late for the
manner in which their algorithms prioritise content, which this additional avenue
of ‘following’ may go some way towards alleviating as it allows users to better
tailor their feeds to their own interests.

It is worth noting however that given the popularity of some
hashtags, if you were to follow the entire thing your feed would soon be drowned
in such content, which likely motivated Instagram’s decision to limit the
feature to “top posts and recent stories” as indicated by the tooltip within Ms
Akram’s screenshot.

There is no word as yet on any official release date for the
additional function, with Instagram themselves declining to comment, and the
feature remains visible on just a small number of accounts (my own
unfortunately not included). We will however endeavour to keep you updated as
more news emerges.

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I write about ideas. My background is in strategic marketing, PR, social media and project management, my future is in ideas. I’m professionally qualified with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, holding a postgraduate diploma in strategic marketing. After working for the BBC I spent a lot of time in the education sector. I’ve flirted with freelance work and consultancy but the BIG thing I’ve noticed is that people want practical results (ridiculously fast). I help boutique business owners and online entrepreneurs. One powerful idea can change your world, last a lifetime or even create a legacy. You can find me on Twitter @The_Ideas_Girl

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